Tottenham considering 'exemplary' Premier League star after Conor Gallagher news

Tottenham have reportedly earmarked an alternative to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher as they prepare to look elsewhere for a holding midfielder this summer. Ange Postecoglou was said to be interested in landing Gallagher this summer amid indications Chelsea may sell their England star a year before his current contract is due to expire.

But with Chelsea now said to be keen to keep Gallagher, with reports of ongoing contract talks emerging, Spurs are set to pivot to another Premier League midfielder. According to The Sun, Tottenham will now consider signing Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who may be on the move this summer.

The Scot found starts hard to come by towards the end of last season despite bailing out his team a number of times in the first half of the campaign. McTominay scored important goals and was one of United’s best players last season.

United recently rejected an offer for McTominay from Fulham, according to reports, with the Cottagers losing Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich on a big money deal. It’s not clear whether United want to keep McTominay or not, but there have been claims that they want at least £40million to sanction a sale if they do decide to cash in.

That’s a big asking price for a player United only started 18 times in the Premier League last season. McTominay also has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, though the Red Devils also have an option to extend the deal by 12 months.

Tottenham would have had to pay between £30million and £40million to sign Gallagher, but it’s unclear how much they are willing to pay for McTominay, if they are serious about a move.

What McTominay and Ten Hag have said

United boss Ten Hag said of McTominay last season: “This season, last season as well (McTominay made an impact), so I think he’s an example for many other players nowadays. “There are not many players who can come from the bench and bring this energy. He’s ready for every minute, always contributing to the team. Football is a team sport and we forget that often. But Scott is the example, always giving the spirit, in the week when he is training, doing the right things, working on himself, gives max. He’s ready for one minute, he’s ready for 90 minutes, he’s always ready. I think it’s great to have such a player.”

Meanwhile, McTominay said last term while discussing his involvement: “I just feel as long as I’m fit and healthy to come onto the pitch, I can perform,” the midfielder said after his 86th-minute winner.

“I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. I don’t want to take it too personal if I’m not playing. I just want to come on and give my best for this club and I always have done. I want to keep helping the team as much as I can and long may that continue.”